Carlos Gonzalez says he’s not worried about a slump that has dropped his average to .247. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)

LOS ANGELES — There’s no mistaken the sound of a Carlos Gonzalez home run. The crack of the bat is more like an explosion, resulting in the ball taking a majestic flight path.

But that bat has been silent for quite a while. CarGo hasn’t hit a home run since April 11 in San Francisco and he hasn’t had a multiple-hit game since April 9 when he had three hits against the White Sox at Coors Field. His average was .389 at that point; it sits at .247 as he heads into Saturday night’s game against the Dodgers.

Tyler Chatwood was set for the No. 3 spot in the Rockies rotation coming out of spring. But then, in his final Cactus League outing, he pulled a hammy trying for a triple.

Enter Lyles, who pitched well in spring, but was headed for Triple-A Colorado Springs to start the season. Instead, he slotted in Chatwood’s spot — and he won both his starts, at Miami and in Denver. He’s 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA.

Background: The idea of Jose Abreu playing an April game at Coors Field appeared real in October. The Rockies were all in on the Cuban free agent, quietly upping the ante over several weeks. During the World Series, the bidding grew serious. The Rockies told Abreu’s agents they’d go to $63 million over six years. At that point, the Rockies were in the lead — even if team owner Dick Monfort was nervous — and hoping to play on Abreu’s desire to play in the most hitter-friendly ballpark in baseball history. Problem was, Abreu had never heard of Coors Field. He was looking for the biggest contract. The White Sox delivered at $68 million and had the advantage of Cuban players on their roster. Rockies fans get to see Abreu this week in LoDo.

What’s up: Abreu entered Friday with momentum, getting five hits in his first 12 at-bats. Abreu doesn’t have the athleticism of Yoenis Cespedes or the speed of Yasiel Puig, Cubans who have electrified baseball in recent years. But he might have more power. He takes a cut befitting his 6-foot-3, 255-pound frame, which makes him look more like a college offensive lineman than a first baseman.

Renck’s take: Abreu made sense for the Rockies on every level. They needed power at first base and a ready replacement for the retired Todd Helton. The Rockies were aggressive because of Abreu’s age — he’s entering his prime at 27. But while he fit the roster perfectly, there was concern how it might have impacted the Rockies’ ability to acquire reliever Boone Logan. Many predict Abreu will be the American League rookie of the year. My bet is that Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka will run away with the trophy. Abreu will clobber fourth and fifth starters. His ability to reach greatness this season hinges on whether he has the bat speed to hit aces and late-inning relievers.

SCOTTSDALE — As Jamie Moyer spiked a curveball in the third inning today against the White Sox, he screamed at himself. “(Gosh darn) Jamie, Let’s get it going!”

In his second to last start before the end of spring, Moyer never gained traction, but he avoided major damage. He labored through four innings, leaving with the Rockies trailing 3-2. Moyer allowed three runs on seven hits. He struck out four, walked three batters and hit a man.

There are any number of ways to say it, but it all comes down to one thing: The Rockies, since they’re your basic .500 team at home, are going to have to win on the road if they’re going to stay in the race in the N.L. West.

“It’s make or break,’’ said Matt Reynolds. “We’ve got to keep on keeping on.’’

The Rockies left after today’s 9-6 loss to the Braves for a nine-game road trip to Arizona, Los Angeles and San Diego. There’s no understating the potential danger involved, particularly with Carlos Gonzalez’s near future uncertain after he aggravated his right wrist problems in today’s loss.

“It’s a long trip, we know that,’’ said Troy Tulowitzki. “We’ve done decent on the road this year, but it’s kind of make or break time. We have to stand up and get back in this thing or say we’re done.’’

Paul Konerko is hitting .374 in June with 10 homers and 20 RBIs. So why mention it on a Thursday afternoon in Denver? Because Konerko isn’t in the White Sox’s lineup for this afternoon’s game at Coors Field.

He’s been replaced at first base by would-be DH Adam Dunn, he of the .173 batting average and American League-leading 100 strikeouts.

So there you have it. The game hasn’t even begun and the Rockies have already caught a break. Now all they have to do is go out and win the game.

It’s official: The Rockies will have a losing record at the midway point of the season.

Their record stands at 39-41 after tonight’s 3-2 loss to the White Sox. It was a defeat that, frankly, looked all too familiar.

A tight, low scoring game with a key play or two bound to make the difference. But instead of making that play, the Rockies experienced another frustrating night in what’s becoming a frustrating season.

Seth Smith understands that the next big step in his development as a big-time, big-league hitter is to show better against lefties.

Usually when the Rockies face a lefty starter, Smith finds himself planted on the bench, waiting for pinch-hitting duties. Remember, he’s hitting just .214 vs. left-handers in a scant 42 at-bats. Right-handers? No problems. He’s hitting .328.

Ty Wigginton (21) is congratulated by teammates after he drove in the winning run.

The Rockies going into tonight had 13 games remaining before the all-star break. It would be great if they were making a run and breathing down the Giants’ necks, but they’re not.

The real-world version reads like this: If the Rockies are going to make a move in the N.L. West, it’s probably going to have to wait until later in the season, given their youth — seven rookies on the roster — and injury issues.

“These 13 games become significant from the standpoint of, Are you able to continue to at least maintain yourself?’’ said Rockies manager Jim Tracy. “Now if you go beyond that, that’s terrific. Obviously that’s the goal moving forward.’’

For now, with all those rookies going through on-the-job training and Jorge De La Rosa gone for the season, the Rockies are trying to hold serve. Tread water. Stay on the treadmill. Pick a term, any term, because they’re all applicable.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Cuts are chipping away at the competition, narrowing the field for the fifth starter, backup catching and utility spots.

Fifth Colorado Rockies starter candidate Clayton Mortensen was optioned to the Triple-A along with catcher Mike McKenry and infielder Chris Nelson. This was a foregone conclusion for Mortensen after the club began working with him on a new delivery. It’s likely that he will contribute at some point this season, but won’t be early on.

McKenry is a homegrown product who had an outside shot at the backup role. But he got off to a slow start offensively, hitting .200 in 10 at-bats. He will head back to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Nelson was a curious case. All winter the Rockies made a point to mention him as a threat to win the second base job. But in camp, he didn’t get much shot there. He played on 16 innings at second base, spending most of his time at third (31 innings).

After clearing waivers with the Rockies, will Brad Hawpe be traded? (Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)

LOS ANGELES — As predicted, Brad Hawpe cleared waivers today, a procedural move that has set the stage for the Rockies to release Hawpe either tonight or tomorrow. Hawpe was owed roughly $2 million on his contract, a figure no team wanted to pay.

Hawpe told the Post that he is prepared for this to be his last game with the Rockies.

“It’s a business. All players go thorugh this,” Hawpe said today.

The most likely scenario is that he’s given his outright release either after the game or before tomorrrow’s game. Reliever Matt Reynolds is expected to be called up. The Texas Rangers are among the teams interested in Hawpe.

“He has been very special player for this organization. It’s difficult to even talk about given the respect I have for Brad,” manager Jim Tracy said. “I am dealing with a player that understands what it is that’s going on and what has to take place.”

Hawpe, 31, also attracted interest from the White Sox last month. And the Rays and Red Sox could be potential fits. In talking to league executives today, they see the Rangers and White Sox making more sense. But Chicago’s interest could hinge on Manny Ramirez. The White Sox explored trading for Ramirez last month, and he’s expected to be placed on waivers soon.

Cutting ties with Hawpe would create more playing time for Seth Smith and allow roster flexibility to keep Eric Young Jr. in the mix. There’s no deadline for a move, but resolution is likely to happen soon. The Rockies are operating with just six relievers after Taylor Buchholz went on the disabled list with a strained back.

There has been no movement in Triple-A regarding a promotion as of 2:45 mountain time. Reynolds is a possible call-up given his strong performance for the Sky Sox this season.

Hawpe has been reduced to a part-time player since the all-star break, hitting .175 with two home runs. Popular among teammates and viewed as a leader, Hawpe has been disappointed in his reduced role, but hasn’t complained publicly. He still could interest some suitors because of his ability to play both first base and right field.

While he has regressed defensively in right field, he’s still functional. And Hawpe has surprised scouts with how comfortable he has looked in six starts at first base, a position he hasn’t played since early in the minor leagues.

“He’s been a class act. A model teammate,” first baseman Todd Helton said. “He could have pouted, but he hasn’t said a word. He’s a pro.”

Eleven days is not a long time. Less than two weeks. A nibble on the season’s buffet. But the Rockies’ entire outlook could change based on the past road trip.

Colorado is trying to acquire Florida’s Jorge Cantu today for a minor-leaguer, but if the Pirates’ series doesn’t go well, the Rockies could sell. Every player I talked to over the past few days realizes the importance of this week. If team falls any further behind in the wild-card race, it’s hard to see ownership taking on payroll.

As such, Colorado will be bombarded by calls for Jorge De La Rosa — the pitching market is thin, so he could net a decent prospect — Jeff Francis and reliever Joe Beimel. Brad Hawpe, reduced to a pinch-hitting role, is already available, but attracting little interest. The White Sox have mild interest in Hawpe as a fallback plan if they can’t acquire Adam Dunn.

Fox’s Ken Rosenthal raised the idea of the Rockies’ selling this morning. Rosenthal is really good. But nearly everything he suggests has been written about for the past week. If Rockies improve, they are buyers. If the stink, they are sellers.

The Rockies are one of only two teams to have double-digit attendance increase this season along with the Twins. But owner Dick Monfort made it very clear to me last month that there is little elasticity in the budget. So any addition would have to make perfect sense. And if the team continues to nosedive, it’s not hard to follow the logic that a few pieces would be moved.

The Rockies’ have an interesting relief prospect in Triple-A lefty Matt Reynolds. I talked to a handful of Triple-A players who all believe this kid, with his strong sinker, will be a solid big reliever.

But because these are the Rockies, and they do things in the second half of the season that no one else does, it’s hard to give up. They are 15-4 in their last 19 home games. So it’s fair to expect 6-2 on this homestand, and suddenly everything feels different.

“The goal now is to win each series. That’s how we have to look at it,” manager Jim Tracy said.

So look for the Rockies to keep pushing to acquire Cantu. At least for now. And even that won’t be easy with competition from the Rangers and Giants.

Hits: The Rockies just missed on a nifty 3-6-5 double play. Todd Helton threw to Troy Tulowitzki for a force on a slow roller, and he pumped fake to first and fired back to third base where Brent Lillibridge was straying too far. The ball beat the runner, but Ian Stewart whiffed on the tag. … Troy Tulowitzki doubled and stole third base, his second swipe of the spring. He aspires to reach steal 30 bags this season. cq

Misses: Tim Redding likely knocked himself out of the running for the final bullpen spot after getting shelled for five runs in two innings. … Ryan Spilborghs was unable to make contact with a runner on third base and one out in the fourth and grounded into a doubleplay in the sixth. Finding a way to put the ball in play with two strikes has been a point of emphasis this spring. … Eric Young Jr. was unable to make a leaping grab of Mark Kotsay’s seventh-inning line drive. Young has been in a work in progress in left field this spring.

TUCSON — There are parts of the job that are amusing. Take this morning for instance. I walked up to Huston Street and asked him if he played catch Friday. The look on his face was priceless. Yes, he did play catch. But the question just sounds so ridiculous. Street has probably played catch 10,000 times in his life, and now, on this warm Saturday in Tucson, it was newsworthy. It is relevant because he’s beginning the slow stairstep climb back to the big leagues. It just sounds funny asking a pitcher about playing catch.

“I am not going to get excited. I did that last time. I am just taking it day-to-day,” said Street.

By the way, if you haven’t noticed, I am tweeting again. I love the new display with the Twitter feed on the Rockies’ page on DPO. So look for stuff there in mcbits, and I will usually follow with something longer here in the blog. There will be some overlap in information initially because I have been feeding the blog in a certain manner all spring and don’t want to change. The coaches are meeting this morning, mulling over the final roster decisions. The only spot left is in the bullpen, with Tim Redding, Justin Speier and Joe Beimel in the mix. Hard for me to handicap right now. If Beimel had been here the entire time, he’d be the guy. But, it’s still up in the air.

Redding has an important outing today. He could be pitching to make this team or another team. He has an out clause his contract on April 3 if another 25-man roster spot is open elsewhere. Beimel pitches monday in a big-league game.

Hits: After struggling with difficult chances early in spring, Ryan Spilborghs has been a human highlight defensively the last few weeks. He made a running stab of Austin Kearns’ screaming line drive down the right-field line, saving a run. … Melvin Mora has found his rhythm at the plate. He singled to the right-field wall and scored the Rockies’ first run. … Brad Hawpe did fine in his first major league action at first base, handing all the chances without any problems. … The Rockies have recorded 10 or more hits in eight straight games.

Misses: Outfielder Jay Payton enjoyed a good game offensively, but was picked off twice, once by the catcher on a throw back to first and once by the pitcher at first base. … Franklin Morales balked the go-ahead run into scoring position. Manager Jim Tracy argued the call. Morales then gave up an RBI single. … Randy Flores couldn’t strand the runner when brought in for relief behind Jeff Francis, allowing a sacrifice fly.

TUCSON — The race for the last bullpen spot has essentially been whittled to three candidates: Justin Speier, Tim Redding and Joe Beimel. Speier threw two scoreless innings today, a workload that could be necessary if he becomes a longman in the pen. Redding profiles well for that role, and will get a shot to make his case Saturday against the White Sox at Hi Corbett Field. Originally, he was scheduled to pitch four innings in a minor-league game, but that changed with manager Jim Tracy wanting to see him on the big field.

Beimel, as he predicted, was impressive enough in his live BP session Wednesday that he will throw in a minor-league game Saturday along with Matt Belisle.
“He’s further along that we expected. Based on what I’ve seen, I am not going to rule him out from (making the team). But we need to make sure that he’s ready, and we aren’t going to rush it,” Tracy said.

What could work against Beimel is the caution needed with Rafael Betancourt and Belisle. Neither is expected to work back-to-back games in spring training and the pair might not be able to do that during the first week of the season. If Beimel can’t either, that would tie Tracy’s hands.

“I want to have some options after playing a (single) game,” Tracy said.

TUCSON — Scott Elarton, one of the greatest prep pitchers in Colorado history, is making a comeback. The tall right-hander who excelled with the Houston Astros before shoulder injuries derailed him with the Rockies, Royals and Indians, has signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox.

“I am very happy to get another shot,” Elarton told me this morning. “I am really going to enjoy this one.”

His signing was first reported by The Kansas City Star. Elarton owns a 56-61 career record with a 5.29 ERA. His best season came in 2000 when he won 17 games for the Astros. He bounced back in 2005, earning 11 victories for Cleveland. He sat out last year.

TUCSON — A month ago, outfielder Jay Payton and catcher Paul Lo Duca arrived in camp as insurance. That hasn’t changed, but they have turned heads with their solid play. Payton and Lo Duca both said they would be willing to go to Triple-A. They don’t have escape clauses in their contracts, so it’s basically accept the assignment or face retirement.

However, I firmly believe the Rockies would do right by them if another team expressed interest in a trade or waiver claim.

“I would go down to Colorado Springs. I think I have shown I can still play and that I can help somebody,” said Payton, who made a diving catch in center field earlier this week.

Payton could be an interesting piece for a team looking for reserve help. In years’ past, he would have been a perfect fit for the Rockies, but they have the deepest bench in baseball. Payton can play all three outfield spots, and profiles as a decent pinch-hitter against left-handers. Lo Duca has shown he can still catch after essentially sitting out last season. Problem is there haven’t been many opportunities in this camp as the Rockies are working in both Chris Iannetta and Miguel Olivo.

In Triple-A, Lo Duca would have to play some first base since there would be three catchers in Colorado Springs, with Lo Duca joining prospect Mike McKenry and solid veteran Paul Phillips.

Footnotes
Found out this out: Iannetta has been re-lacing gloves since he was 9. He was fixing infielder Chris Nelson’s glove this morning. … Aaron Cook played DJ this morning in the clubhouse, rocking upbeat pop hits. … Jeff Francis will face Cleveland’s Jake Westbrook Friday in Goodyear. … Today’s pitching against the Reds: Ubaldo Jimenez, Matt Belisle, Matt Daley, Juan Rincon, Justin Speier and Franklin Morales. … Closer Huston Street, out with shoulder inflammation, is scheduled to play catch tomorrow for the first time in 11 days. … The Kansas City Star is reporting that Scott Elarton has signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox. Elarton, a legend from Lamar High School, is one of the all-time good guys. I am pulling for him to make it back to the big leagues.

Hits: Ryan Spilborghs put on a throwing clinic in left field. He erased Stefan Gartrell at the plate in the fourth inning with a perfect one-hop strike to catcher Paul Phillips and kept a runner from advancing from third in the third with a laser to cutoff man. … Unlike last spring, Dexter Fowler is not overhauling his swing. His comfort level shows. He rapped an RBI single in the third inning. … Despite an abundance of traffic, left-handers Franklin Morales and Randy Flores pitched two scoreless frames.

Misses: As manager Jim Tracy said, “Aaron Cook is not right yet.” Tracy said his experience is that it takes finesse pitchers longer to get ready for the season. He believes Cook has time, but admitted that he’s been inconsistent. … Ian Stewart committed his team-high fourth error, flinging a sidearm throw into the White Sox’s dugout on a perfectly placed bunt by Juan Pierre. It was one of three Rockies’ errors. …. Manuel Corpas, working on back-to-back days for the first time this spring, plunked Carlos Quentin in the left hip on a 1-2 count. However, he escaped a bases-loaded jam without allowing a run. … Omar Quintanilla hurt his left knee on a double-play attempt and his right foot on a foul tip. He’s considered day-to-day.

Hits: Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez continues hitting lasers. He’s hitting .348 after doubling and scoring in the third inning. He also lined out twice. … Troy Tulowitzki crushed his first home run, a moonshot to center field in the sixth inning. Tulowitzki has three extra-base hits this spring. … Jay Payton came to camp as insurance for the Rockies, but could attract an offer from another team. He played all three outfield positions Monday, and singled. … Jason Giambi one-hopped the right field-wall and made a diving stop at first base. … Jhoulys Chacin got the win, and Franklin Morales netted the save. cq

Misses: The Cubs’ bus broke down 80 miles from Tucson. It took the team longer to get to Tucson than the game lasted. … Jonathan Herrera suffered an injury sliding back into first base, but stayed in the game. … Jeff Francis improved dramatically, retiring the final seven hitters he faced. But he grooved a fastball to pitcher Carlos Zambrano that the Big Z smashed off the wall for a double.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.